Following the news of President Joe Biden nominating Denver International Airport (DEN) CEO Phil Washington to lead the FAA, the NBAA on Thursday welcomed the move.
“We’re pleased the administration has moved expeditiously to offer a nominee for FAA administrator,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “The U.S. has the world’s largest, safest and most efficient aviation system, and it’s important for us to have stability at the FAA to navigate current challenges and provide strong and innovative leadership to meet the opportunities of the future. We look forward to working with Phil Washington upon his confirmation.”
Washington, a 24-year Army veteran, has spent the bulk of his civilian career overseeing ground-based mass transit. He served for six years as the CEO of the Los Angeles County Transportation Authority, prior to taking over in Denver.
Washington became CEO of Denver International, the third-largest airport in the U.S. by passenger count, in July 2021. He also led the Transportation Department transition team for the incoming Biden administration, and served as co-chair of the Biden/Harris Infrastructure Policy Committee.
Washington’s appointment would have to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. He would then lead an agency of 45,000 people with an annual budget of $24 billion. Capt. Billy Nolen has served as the FAA’s Acting Administrator since April, following the retirement of the previous administrator Steve Dickson.
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